I have been reading up on positive psychology recently as a foundation for improving life and gaining the most fun as we age. It has always concerned me that the pop psychology version seems to concentrate on reinforcing positive thoughts to the exclusion of the realities which all of us have to encounter from time to time. So more subtle ways of positive reinforcement to achieve goals and a happy life is a great contribution.
Yes, ignoring challenges and uncomfortable feelings is like trying to keep a balloon under water. It costs a lot of effort and the slightest inattention has the balloon popping up and out again. Much better to acknowledge what you're up against, let the immediate emotions pass (takes only 60-90 seconds if you don't retrigger them with your thoughts), and then focus on what you can do to bring about a (more) positive outcome.
I have been reading up on positive psychology recently as a foundation for improving life and gaining the most fun as we age. It has always concerned me that the pop psychology version seems to concentrate on reinforcing positive thoughts to the exclusion of the realities which all of us have to encounter from time to time. So more subtle ways of positive reinforcement to achieve goals and a happy life is a great contribution.
Yes, ignoring challenges and uncomfortable feelings is like trying to keep a balloon under water. It costs a lot of effort and the slightest inattention has the balloon popping up and out again. Much better to acknowledge what you're up against, let the immediate emotions pass (takes only 60-90 seconds if you don't retrigger them with your thoughts), and then focus on what you can do to bring about a (more) positive outcome.
I'm coming back to read the second part. ❤️